(a) General rule.--The authority shall grant an application and issue a license to an applicant that meets all of the requirements of sections 57A03 (relating to application) and 57A04¹ (relating to qualifications for licensure).

(b) Denial.--If an application for the issuance or renewal of a license is denied, the applicant may, within 10 days of notice of the denial, file a petition with the authority which specifically avers that the reason for the denial is erroneous, unlawful or otherwise invalid. The authority shall prescribe filing procedures and the form for the petition.

(c) Appeal hearing.--The authority shall fix the time and place for a hearing on a properly filed appeal and shall serve notice of the appeal on the parties of interest.

(d) Decision of appeal.--After a hearing under subsection (c), the authority, or a designated hearing officer, shall issue a decision, which shall include findings of fact, in sufficient detail to enable a court to determine on appeal the following:

(e) Hearing procedure.--The authority may adopt hearing and administrative procedures by regulation for hearings under subsection (c). A person aggrieved by an order of the authority entered under this chapter may appeal the order to the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County. All appeals shall be governed by 2 Pa.C.S. Ch. 7 (relating to judicial review) and Chapter 15 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Appellate Procedure.

(f) Third parties prohibited.--No third party may protest or object to an application for a license.

(g) Waiting period following denial.--After entry of a denial of an appeal, the applicant shall be ineligible to make a new application for a period of six months.

(h) Operation during pending application.--A transportation network company operating in the city before the effective date of this section may continue operating during the pendency of an application under section 57A03 as long as the company files an application within 45 days of the effective date of this act.

(i) Approval required for license transfer.--A transportation network company license is nontransferable unless the transfer is approved by the authority. A change in control is permissible as long as the transportation network company provides notice to the authority within 30 days of the change in control.